The chase for Kevin Durant is over. Only this time, he’s taking his talents across the bridge in California.

The former MVP and forward signed a two-year $54.3 million deal with the Warriors, spurning his old team in the Oklahoma City Thunder. He announced his decision through The Player’s Tribune on July 4th. Durant will now join MVP Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in the starting five.

In other words, a frightening team just got a lot scarier. Keep in mind this is a team who went 73-9 only to falter in the NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Durant will make them a formidable force in the Western Conference. However, it appears Durant has inherited the role of villain.

There are many people already comparing this move to LeBron James’ departure for Miami. And others have already decided to burn Durant’s jersey.

The outrage is understandable. Durant helped make the Thunder a basketball force. After all, he and Russell Westbrook took the Warriors to the limit this past Western Conference Finals. The old adage rings true: if you can’t beat them, join them.

On the other hand, it seems out of place. Whereas LeBron left his home state for palm tress, Durant left a franchise he helped make stronger. The kid from D.C. made a basketball decision not at the cost of his home.

Even the Thunder organization decided not to publicly insult Durant for his choice. In a public statement, Thunder Executive VP and General Manager Sam Presti praised Durant as one of the founding fathers for the franchise. Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett also thanked Durant or his leadership and how he handled himself during his time in Oklahoma City.

Fans will still feel betrayed, but there’s a silver lining in this. Durant’s deal has an opt-out clause after the first year. Yes, Durant won’t be playing in Oklahoma City. However, who says Durant likes being a weapon for Golden State.

Can Durant co-exist with Green, Curry and Thompson in the starting five? How will coach Steve Kerr juggle these personalities, especially the usually non-media friendly Durant and the fiery Green?

These are questions that will surely be answered starting next season. Regardless, Kevin Durant has a plan. He wants to add NBA Champion to his resume and is hungry for that title.

Whether he gets it remains to be seen. But you just cannot deny that Golden State’s road to redemption heated up across the bay. That’s all thanks to Kevin Durant choosing the Warriors over the Thunder.

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